The past comes alive in the present.
Rating:
5 / 5
JSA is one of the best comic titles in print today. This volume collects the first issues of the series. DC has taken its classic hero team introduced during the 40s and modernized it with extraordinary flair.While steeped in history, Goyer has written this story arc so the reader isn't required to be versed in 60 years of comic adventures. References to the past are made where necessary or flashbacks are cleverly used and well integrated into the story. The story itself is spectacular as these retired heroes, attending the funeral of an old friend, decide to reform the world's first super team to search for the next Dr. Fate. Sadowski's art is simply breathtaking. There is astounding attention to detail that brings the illustrations alive. He also gives a realistic picture of these aging super beings. They have been around for decades and a paunch here and a wrinkle thrown in there are in sharp contrast to the typical pysically perfect, six pack abs hero that never seems to age. Not only would I highly recommend this book, but its follow up trade paperbacks and the series itself. This dip into history is time well spent.
Icons
Rating:
5 / 5
The Justice Society of America was the premiere superhero group of the 1940s. Now, Wesley Dodds--once known as the crime-fighter the Sandman--falls victim to an old foe who is looking for the Fate-Child, the baby that will grow up to inheirit the mystical garb of Dr. Fate. The elder statesmen of the superhero world gather at Dodds' gravesite. Jay Garrick, the Flash. Ted Grant, Wildcat. Wonder Woman. Hourman, who carries within his synthetic makeup the remnants of Rex "Tick-Tock" Tyler. Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern who now goes by the name Sentinel. Dinah Lance, daughter of the original Black Canary. While attending the funeral of their old friend and comrade-in-arms, the surviving members of the JSA as well as young heroes witness the death of Fate, the man who currently carries the weapons of Dr. Fate. They are attacked by undead warriors Sentinel names as the Sons of Anubis who strive to take the weapons from the dead man. That murder and attack, following so closely on the heels of the death of Wesley Dodds, unites these warriors old and new and brings them face-to-face with a villain that has lived for ages.David Goyer has become an author of repute. He wrote the screenplay for BLADE and BLADE 2, starring Wesley Snipes, in the movie adaptation of the Marvel Comics hero. He's also written NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D., DARK CITY, and THE PUPPET MASTERS. James Robinson, the co-author of this graphic novel, has written THE GOLDEN AGE, LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT: BLADES, TERMINATOR, STARMAN, VIGILANTE, and LEAVE IT TO CHANCE . Artists for the first graphic novel gathering the first five issues of the on-going series are Scott Benefiel, Stephen Sadowski, and Derec Aucoin, with inks by Mark Propst and Michael Bair. A combination of nostalgia and stunning story-telling enhanced by some of the best comics artwork in the business, JSA: JUSTICE BE DONE succeeds as a treat for the eyes and the heart of the long-time comics follower as well as newbies who take an interest in these legends. Goyer and Robinson's character interplay and dialogue works together to bring a depth to the story as well as a richness to their imagined world. The narrative on the panels is taut and driving, voice-overs for the action that explodes from the pages. The full page splashes of heroes like Hawkgirl and Dr. Fate are absolute treasures. Long-time fans of the JSA will enjoy the way the new authors pay homage to Gardner F. Fox, the first of the writers for the series back in the 1940s, when they split the group into teams to send to missions in different parts of the world. That was very much a Gardner Fox plot device. And they play fairly with Roy Thomas, the scribe for INFINITY, INC., who created the character of the Silver Scarab, Hector Hall. JSA is one of the best books currently being done in the market. Goyer, because of his training in the film world, possess a cameraman's eye for shots, and Robinson's skills lead him into deep and rich characterizations. They compliment each other, but standing apart on different projects shows that each writer is nearly equally as skilled. Readers will note that the writers obviously have a good time playing off of each other. This graphic novel compliation of the first five issues states the JSA's purpose, to thoroughly entertain the reader and dazzle him or her with gorgeous artwork. Comics lovers who haven't yet tuned into the JSA will find this volume is the perfect place to start.
Very Very Nice!
Rating:
4 / 5
I was very pleasantly surprised by this collection. It was far better than I expected. I am following James Robinsons' Starman trades as they come out and I like them, but I'm not crazy about them. I expected JSA to be as good or maybe a little worse because it just doesn't get the same critical acclaim as Starman. When I read it, I found it to be a lot better and even better than JLA. The characters are all interesting although Sand is probably my least favourite. Its got the best of new and old, some icons and some obscure characters. It has a similar link with the past that Starman has, which is always good because it takes advantage of DC's rich history, which is too often ignored. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed when they revealed who the new Dr Fate was, but given time he may grow on me. And anyway, at least the helmet and medalion are back! I liked reading about the fate of the original Sandman and this comic is also making me like Wonder Woman (Hipolyta) more! The bad guy is a little [ineffectual], but the plot makes up for it. I also think that it offered a plausible excuse for JSA to reform.
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